Cricothyroidotomy

Question 1

What is the origin of the cricothyroid arteries?

Answer 1

branches of superior thyroid artery
-important for cricothyroidotomy because they course lateral to the cricothyroid membrane and anastomose in midline just below thyroid cartilage –> make cricoid membrane incision in lower 1/3 of membrane if able

Question 2

What are the average dimensions of the CTM?

Answer 2

vertical = 8-12mm
horizontal = 20-30mm

Question 3

What is the mean internal diameter of the airway at the CTM?

Answer 3

women = 12mm
men = 15mm

Question 4

What size of tube should be used for a cricothyroidotomy?

Answer 4

-preferred is 6 or 6.5 ETT or size 4 Shiley (9.4mm OD)
-no more than 9-10mm outer diameter/7mm inner diameter
-generally choose one 1mm smaller than you would use for an ETT

Question 5

What type of incision is made for a cricothyroidotomy?

Answer 5

vertical incision over the CTM 3-5cm in length